While most people think of buying fur coats when they thin of a visit to their local furrier, there are often genuine leather coats for sale as well. A men’s or women’s leather jacket can be the perfect alternative for those who want to wear something natural and don’t want a fur coat, as well as for those who are looking for something suitable for slightly warmer weather. If you’re shopping for the best leather jackets, it’s important to make sure you know how to spot the highest quality to ensure longevity and value.
Avoid the Patchwork Look
The patchwork look may seem interesting and eye-catching, but it is actually a sign of low-quality leather. When leather jacket manufacturers create their coats, there are scraps left over that would go to waste. Instead of wasting these scraps, they fit them together, run them through their sewing machines and transform them into lower grade leather jackets. These coats typically cost less and likely contain a variety of leather grades. For this reason, it’s best to look for a genuine leather coat made from one continuous sheet of leather for the best results.
Understanding the Grades
Real leather is graded to provide buyers with an easy way to determine the quality of the leather found in the coat. The best leather jackets will be made from Grade 1 leather. This grade consists of clear, supple leather with a consistent color and smooth feel. Grade 2 leather is less consistent in color and has minor imperfections in the surface so it doesn’t feel as smooth. Finally, grade 3 leather may be blotchy with many imperfections and may feel stiff due to the substances used to hide the imperfections. This makes being able to see and touch a leather coat in person critical before you make a purchasing decision. These grades are consistent regardless of which type of animal leather you choose.
Check the Color and Craftsmanship
As you look over the men’s or women’s leather jacket you are considering, look it over carefully. While natural leather will likely have some markings on it, the overall color should be consistent throughout the piece. If it looks as if multiple pieces of leather are pieced together or there are many imperfections, you aren’t getting a high-quality coat. In addition to checking over the color of the coats, a high-quality leather jacket will look like it’s well made. Look at the stitching and make sure it holds when gently tugged. Be sure to evaluate the stitching around any features, such as zippers and pockets, as well as the lining.
Smell the Coat
It may seem silly to smell a coat before you buy it, but the best leather jackets will tell you whether they are real leather just based on their smell. A genuine leather coat will smell like leather, not like any type of chemical. This smell is largely unmistakable so there’s no concern over mistaking it for anything else. If you are buying a dyed fur coat, it’s important to make sure you choose a leather coat that uses the right kind of dye. Azo dye is commonly used in leather, but it is toxic and can cause negative skin reactions in many people. If you aren’t sure, talk to your furrier about what type of dye is used in their coats.
Feel the Coat
The last step before you decide to buy a men’s or women’s leather jacket is to run your fingers over it. Your fingers are filled with nerve endings and can tell you a lot about the coat, even if you couldn’t see it. A quality leather jacket should feel smooth to the touch without imperfections. It should also feel soft, not stiff or dry. There should be no bumps present and it should bend easily. Any other behavior could be an indicator of poor quality.
Choosing the best leather jackets isn’t much different from finding a quality fur coat. A high-quality leather jacket can’t often be found at your typical department store, but if you take the time, you will be able to find a beautiful leather jacket that complements the rest of your wardrobe. A genuine leather coat is a beautiful addition, but it’s important to make sure you choose the highest quality so it lasts longer. Don’t just look at the price of leather coats from Morris Kaye in Dallas and San Antonio; look at the quality of the leather used.
If you’re looking for the best leather jackets, contact us. We specialize in fur coats, as well as leather jackets, so you can find the perfect option to suit your sense of style.
